Student Development Assistant

Student Development Assistant (29 hours/week)

Position Type:
Other

Date Posted: 10/24/2025

Location:

School To Be Determined

Closing Date:
Until Filled

Student Development Assistant, reporting to the Program Director, provides direct, trauma‑informed social, emotional, behavioral, and academic support to students within the Highfive THRIVE Lab therapeutic classroom setting. The assistant bridges academic instruction with emotional and behavioral support, fostering a safe and restorative learning environment. This is an on‑site role based in New Castle County, Delaware.

• Assist with delivering/facilitating academic instruction, providing individualized academic and social‑emotional instruction and support aligned with students' home school curriculum and personalized learning plans.
• Implement individualized behavior support plans and therapeutic interventions.
• Facilitate group activities, including daily circles and mindfulness exercises.
• Provide real‑time progress monitoring and coaching for each student throughout the day.
• Model and co‑regulate with students, reinforcing emotional safety and self‑regulation strategies.

• Support the implementation of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) through collaborative problem‑solving conversations with students.
• Integrate DBT‑informed skills training (e.g., mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness) into daily interactions and lessons.
• Utilize and guide students in "Calm Down Corners" or "Zones of Regulation."
• Support daily Social‑Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons and facilitate behavior reflections.
• Apply restorative justice techniques when conflicts or rule violations occur, focusing on repairing harm and building accountability.

• Participate in bi‑weekly Highfive THRIVE Lab staff meetings to review student cases and feedback.
• Collaborate with the Program Director, classroom teacher, Student Development Learning Specialist, and site staff to ensure IEP/504 accommodations are met.
• Engage with families through daily communication and home‑based implementation support.
• Work closely with the Program Director and other team members to ensure consistent application of the Highfive THRIVE Lab model.

• Facilitate and support building a community engagement event to engage the Appo Community.
• Facilitate learning opportunities for Appo Community stakeholders.

• Working hours follow the regular school day schedule of the assigned school site within the Appoquinimink School District at a maximum of 29 hours a week. Weekly schedule is to be determined by the Program Director.
• Laptop will be provided by district with district and Highfive access for resources.

• Certified para‑professional or equivalent experience in an educational or therapeutic support role.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma‑informed care and restorative practices.
• Experience working with students in need of intensive behavioral and emotional support and engaging in de‑escalation and physical management strategies.
• Ability to implement academic and therapeutic interventions effectively.
• Strong communication, empathy, and relationship‑building skills.
• Capacity to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.